SONG OF THE FIREFLIES

Song of the Fireflies (2025)

Directed by: King Palisoc

This film shines when they use their music to share inspiring moments and ignite emotions.

The lyrics are conversational, and the melody can easily be remembered. Pleasing to the ears, the songs arrangements are worthy of applause. The music elevates certain scenes, making them more dramatic.

You’re only watching the choir from the screen,

but it feels like you’re part of the live audience.

Unfortunately, the songs are limited. Some of them are being inserted without proper build up. They also have the tendency to instantly cut scenes that deserve more screen time. They aren’t able to sustain momentum whenever needed.

The film’s title seems like an afterthought since it fails to summarize the story holistically.

Ang mga pangarap ng Loboc Children’s Choir ay hindi naibahagi. Patingi-tingi ang pagkwento. May mga karakter at side plot na sinisingit na lang. Wala masyadong samahan na nabubuo sa paggitan ng mga choir members. Hindi matibay ang pundasyon para alalayan ang mabibigat na eksena.

Dahil hindi lubusang naipakilala ang bawat karakter, hindi rin masyadong ramdam ang kanilang paglalakbay. Ngunit naalalayan ng musika at ng artista ang ilang eksena upang iangat ang pelikula.

If pressure has a face, then Rachel Alejandro embodies it. She has simple yet effective ways of manipulating other characters—without losing her elegance.

Morissette has a natural ability to show her emotions in the most genuine way possible. You wouldn’t think it’s her debut acting performance. Just as her intonation are at the right register and frequency, her heart is also at the right place.

The song “Hanapin Ang Sarili” finds its way to be one of the heartfelt moments from the film.

Despite short exposure, the chemistry and talent of Noel Comia Jr., Tommy Alejandrino and Krystal Brimner are seen. The child actress who played Fe can move people with her innocence and tears. The innate quirky personalities of the choir members are delightful to witness.

The film may have its off key moments, but it also has triumphant ones. Even if you already know the result of the competition, you’d still be proud everytime the winner is announced.

Hindi man matayog ang lipad ng pelikulang ito, nagawa nilang maging abot kamay ang mga pangarap. Kahit hindi matingkad ay may taglay pa ring liwanag ang mensahe. Hindi naglaho ang pag-asa hanggang dulo. Hindi nanaig ang pag-atras at pagsuko.

Patuloy na umawit at mangarap.

𝑺𝑶𝑵𝑮 𝑶𝑭 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑭𝑰𝑹𝑬𝑭𝑳𝑰𝑬𝑺

Exact Score: 3/5

Cast: Morissette Amon, Krystal Brimner, Noel Comia Jr., Rachel Alejandro

Written by: Sarge Lacuesta

Musical Director and Soundtrack by: Krina Cayabyab

Songs Composed by: Ryan Cayabyab Myran Etorsa, Louie Ocampo, Rayray Marasigan, and Jazz Nicolas

Songs Written by: Sarge Lacuesta and Mookie Katigbak Lacuesta

Presented by: Culturtain Musical Productions Inc, MediaQuest, Quezon City Film Fund, CMB Films

Release Date: June 25, 2025 in Philippine cinemas nationwide 

A Movie Review by: Goldwin Reviews